The Blue Ribbon Campaign began when a Virginia grandmother, Bonnie Finney, tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van “to make people wonder.” The story she told to inquisitive community members was tragic. It was about the abuse of her grandchildren at the hands of their parents, which ultimately led to the brutal death of her grandson.
“My grandchildren had suffered and battled so much throughout their young lives that it sickened me. My life was turned into physical and mental chaos. My efforts to understand became a plea to stop abusing children. I tied a blue ribbon on my van antenna to make people wonder. Why blue? I intend never to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for protection for our children.”
Since Bonnie Finney first tied that ribbon to her van antenna in 1989, millions of people across the country have participated in blue ribbon campaigns. Each year, more people join the effort by wearing and displaying blue ribbons and encouraging others to do the same. These small acts have inspired individual and community involvement in activities to “make people wonder” about the significance of the blue ribbon.
The story of Bonnie Finney demonstrates the effect that just one concerned citizen can have on raising public awareness of child abuse and in promoting prevention efforts.
April is designated as our national Child Abuse Prevention Month. Please wear a blue ribbon and give one to your friends --- share this story with them. Be part of the campaign to raise awareness of child abuse prevention efforts. It Only Takes a Minute (link to IOTAM) to make a difference in the life of a child!
Adapted from two stories of the Blue Ribbon’s history found at these websites: Children’s Trust Fund, Boston, MA and Texas Court Appointed Advocates (CASA)
